Walk Together – Devotion 189

Being kind can be one of the most difficult ways to react.  In a world filled with hatred, meanness, and the like, it is easy to get caught up.  Others can capture us with their anger.  We can become a part of a rant we didn’t intend or seek. It happens.  And it seems to happen more and more if we spend too much time on social media or watching the news.  It grabs us and we are off on a tear before we even realize it.  We have joined someone’s cause without ever knowing the motivation. We are fans of someone we don’t even understand.  It can get ugly quick.  So to choose to be kind in this type of atmosphere is not easy.  Kindness should be natural and a part of who we are.  But, in reality, it is more often something we have to strive towards.  To take a careful step back and choose kindness can seem like the most challenging step.  But it is one worth taking.

We don’t need to be hateful.  We don’t need to be mean.  There is no need to bully or intimidate others. Kindness can be the highest and best response – especially when it is powered by the love of God.  There is no telling how much we can do if and when we choose kindness.  The lives we can touch and the things we can change are innumerable if we simply choose kindness.   But it takes focus.  It takes work.  And it takes the love of God living in us.  Our natural instinct may be to throat punch someone else.  But that isn’t how it should work.  We should operate from a place of love.  

Today, I choose kindness.  It isn’t easy.  It isn’t the path of least resistance.  It is the path strewn with God’s love.  And this is the only path I want to be a part.  Will you walk with me?  I may need someone to put their hand over my mouth…

Focus Scripture:

Proverbs 21:21

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
    will find life and honor.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery